French 75
The French 75 is named for the fast-firing 75 millimeter field gun that was utilized by the French during World War One. Consisting of gin, fresh lemon juice, sugar and Champagne, the drink is a lot friendlier than the name implies.
The Classic French 75: History, Recipe, and Fun Variations
Let’s be honest—who doesn’t love a good bubbly cocktail? The French 75 is one of those drinks that somehow feels both elegant and effortless at the same time. It’s the kind of cocktail that, with every sip, makes you feel like you’ve been transported to a chic Parisian bar (even if you're just lounging at home). But this cocktail isn’t just a pretty face—it’s got a history as fascinating as its flavor. So, let’s dive into the story behind the French 75, how to make it, and some cool variations you can try.
The History of the French 75
The French 75 wasn’t just named after a cocktail—it was inspired by a piece of artillery! During World War I, the French 75mm field gun was known for its impressive power and accuracy, and the drink was said to pack just as much of a punch. Legend has it that Harry MacElhone, the famous bartender at Harry’s New York Bar in Paris, created the French 75 in the early 1900s. He combined gin, champagne, lemon juice, and a splash of sugar, and the rest was history.
The drink’s bubbly, gin-based nature made it an instant hit, and even as cocktail trends changed over the decades, the French 75 held its ground as a classic. It’s one of those cocktails that doesn’t feel fussy—it’s just good. Simple as that.
Classic French 75 Recipe
Now that we know a little about its history, let’s get to the fun part: making it yourself! The French 75 is super easy to whip up, and it’s guaranteed to impress anyone who gets a taste.
Ingredients:
1 ounce gin
1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice (don’t skimp on this one—it really makes the drink)
1/2 ounce simple syrup (I usually go a little less if I’m not feeling too sweet)
Champagne (or any sparkling wine you prefer)
Garnish: Lemon twist or peel
Instructions:
Grab a cocktail shaker and fill it with ice. Add the gin, lemon juice, and simple syrup.
Shake it all up! You want the mix to be nice and chilled.
Strain the mixture into a champagne flute (or really, any glass you have on hand).
Top off with chilled champagne, and give it a light stir—just enough to combine the flavors without losing the bubbles.
Garnish with a lemon twist. It adds a lovely fresh aroma when you take a sip!
Now you’ve got the French 75—bright, bubbly, and just a little tart.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
Let’s talk about what goes into a French 75, because the ingredients really do make a difference.
Gin: For me, a classic London dry gin works best—its juniper flavor is what you want to bring that depth. But hey, if you’re into floral or citrusy gins, those can add a fun twist to the drink.
Champagne: Champagne is the obvious choice, but don’t be afraid to use a good Prosecco or Cava if you’re not ready to break the bank. As long as it’s bubbly, you’re good to go.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Always fresh, never the bottled stuff! It’s the zingy balance that ties everything together.
Simple Syrup: I always make my own simple syrup (just equal parts water and sugar boiled until dissolved), but you can buy it pre-made too. Adjust the sweetness to your taste!
Fun Variations of the French 75
Sure, the classic French 75 is perfect as it is, but if you’re feeling experimental, here are a few fun twists:
The French 95: Switch out the gin for bourbon for a deeper, slightly smokier flavor. It's a great variation if you're craving something a little more robust.
The French 76: Use vodka instead of gin for a cleaner, more neutral base. This one lets the champagne and lemon really shine through.
Elderflower French 75: Add a splash of elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain) for a floral sweetness that’s refreshing and light.
Winter French 75: Swap the lemon juice for blood orange juice, which gives it a seasonal twist and a beautiful reddish hue.
I personally love experimenting with elderflower liqueur—it adds such a delicate floral note that takes the French 75 to a whole new level.
Crafting Your Signature French 75
This cocktail is pretty flexible, so don’t be afraid to make it your own! You could try adding a little mint or rosemary for an herbaceous edge, or play around with different sparkling wines to find your perfect combo. The key is to keep it light, refreshing, and a little zesty.
Try the French 75 and Share Your Twist!
So, what do you think? Ready to give the French 75 a try? It’s a fantastic drink that’s equal parts classy and approachable. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or put your own spin on it, the French 75 is sure to become a favorite in your cocktail rotation. Share your creations and variations in the comments—I’m always curious to see how others enjoy this cocktail!
